Time for NRL to step up to zero tolerance on domestic violence

Perpetrators of domestic violence can be rehabilitated, but not as role models for young men.

By Julie McKay

UpdatedJuly 21, 2015 — 9.10pmfirst published at 9.00pm

When we talk about needing leadership commitment to eliminating violence against women, we are asking our leaders to take a strong and unequivocal stance that violence in any form is not tolerated in their organisations.

While I make no comment regarding the innocence or guilt of Roosters star player Shaun Kenny-Dowall, charges being laid over the weekend once again bring up the issue of what zero tolerance looks like.

New deal: Dave Smith has secured a $925m windfall for the NRLCredit:Getty Images

Zero tolerance to me, looks like players standing down from games until the pending charges are heard. Players standing up and saying: "I recognise the seriousness of violence against women, and for that reason I intend to stand down while I address the allegations against me."

That does not lead to an assumption of guilt, it demonstrates an understanding that this issue is so serious, that each individual player understands the implications for themselves and their team.

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If found guilty of domestic violence, any player's career should automatically end. Not that it would be reviewed, or even that it is in "severe doubt" as stated by NRL chief executive Dave Smith.

Domestic violence conviction equals playing career over is what zero tolerance looks like.

I do believe in second chances and I do believe that perpetrators of domestic violence can be rehabilitated – just not as role models for young men in our community.

The NRL and the other sporting codes have a unique position in our community: their players are looked up to and set behavioural norms and standards. What this means, is that they get all of the attention, money, support and praise that goes along with being a professional sports star. But it also means that they need to set an example, always.

The work that the NRL has done in local communities to raise awareness of violence against women can only be recognised and celebrated.

With federal government support, the NRL has rolled out workshops called "Voice against Violence" and there is little doubt that young people hearing from their stars that violence is not tolerated can be very powerful.

Equally, we can be very confident most NRL players would never commit or condone violence against women.

But the reality remains, that we live in a country where one in three women will experience violence, and unless organisations with large community reaches, like the NRL, have zero-tolerance policies, then the message they send is "this really isn't important" or worse, "violence against women is excusable".

There are too many examples of players who have been convicted of domestic violence being allowed back onto the field.

There is an opportunity for the NRL's Smith, together with members of the new Elite Sports Male Champions of Change, to commit to genuine zero tolerance.

On this issue, I support NSW Premier Mike Baird in calling for sporting codes to have much clearer zero-tolerance policies related to domestic violence, which requires players to stand down if they are charged and sees careers end if convicted.

Julie McKay is the executive director of the National Committee for UN Women.